BUDDING bakers are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves to help keep a longstanding market open.

The Liskeard Country market has been in existence for more than 60 years, but member Janet Stanton fears the end could be looming unless a new generation of home cooks comes forward.

The market’s contributors provide cakes, biscuits and savouries, home grown fruit and vegetables, handmade toys and clothes, plants and a range of crafts.

At its peak, there were more than 30 contributors, says Janet.

‘The market started life as Cornwall’s first WI market, more than 60 years ago – as unfortunately did most of its members,’ she said.

‘There are fewer pairs of hands as people develop health problems, or fulfil family commitments – but rather than easing up as we age, we seem to be working harder to keep our customers satisfied.’

Janet says that the popularity of Bake Off doesn’t seem to have inspired younger bakers in Liskeard – but she hopes to be proved wrong.

‘I think that people below retirement age are either busy working, or they are perhaps wary of losing their benefits,’ she said.

‘As the market’s longest serving member I would be heartbroken if we were forced to close. The market is part of Liskeard’s history and we still have more to contribute.’

New members of any age or gender are encouraged to get in touch. Full guidance can be given to home cooks – and obtaining a basic hygiene certificate online is easy, says Janet, and costs around £10.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Lorna Grimshaw by popping into the Public Hall’s Long Room on a Friday morning, or by emailing [email protected]